(Photo by Matthew Jordan Smith)

Is your photographer a professional? What does that mean? Does it matter?  Today, I think it matters a lot when people of all ages are picking up digital cameras, shooting a few events and calling themselves professional photographers.

There are questions you can ask your photographer when interviewing them that will indicate to you how much of a professional he or she is. You want the best for the most important events of your life!!! Here are some examples: How long have you had a full time photography business? Where did you study photography? Are you degreed? Do you have any certifications? (In the US, no licenses are required to “practice” photography, but some professional organizations awards degrees)  Are you a member of any professional organizations? If yes, which ones? Do you hold an office? If yes, which one?  Do you teach? Where?  Do you have insurance for your business? Do you attend conferences and seek professional development? Etc., etc.

Guess I’m on this train of thought because I literally just got home from the annual convention of  the NY and NJ state Professional Photographers Association.  What a great learning event! Here are some of my impressions below. (By the way, I’m a VP on the North Jersey Board of the PPA, have a Masters in Education, a million dollars in liability insurance, and am a strong believer in lifelong learning!!)

See http://www.ppanjnorthregion.blogspot.com for my full report..  “My personal favorite presenters were the first and last sessions I attended. Friday afternoon’s highlight was Matthew Jordan Smith, fashion and beauty photographer… his two top marketing suggestions. 1. Have an exhibit of your work and capitalize on all the PR, radio, TV, news spots, etc. that surround it and 2. Publish a book on a subject you love. Self publishing is relatively easy today and a book can get you lots of visibility…

Photo by Storey Wilkins

Sunday’s highlight was Storey Wilkins of Toronto, CANADA. She was given the perfect name at birth because she is a fabulous storyteller. Her moving/powerful images and stories of wedding days along with the personal work of her two children and dying grandmother literally brought people to simultaneous applause and tears! She is a master of light, design, marketing and customer service.